Re: STS - RWD + Snow + Chicago (Snow Tires)

really though.... Blizzacks (sp?) are perhaps the best snow tires you can get... I'd invest in a set of 4... mount them on steel wheels... though on a nice Caddy, I dunno if you'd like that... but it would sure be convinent. Either way, a set of 4 of those on the STS and you'll be going thru snow like nothing

I never had snow tires on any of my 3 cars... just realitvely cheap-middle priced all seasons... the Coupe got a better touring tire but wasn't used in the snow much at all... the '79... last year had bald tires.... especally the rear... and I drove thru one of the worst snow storms still... my gosh that was hell... that car isn't the ideal car to drive thru in snow by far. My Oldsmobile though, was a freakin tank, plowed thru anything and everything with GoodYear Weather Handler LS tires... unbelieveable. no ABS or anything, yet never a problem... the Coupe OTOH was traction limited, even braking (with ABS) you hit the brakes... ABS goes crazy and you can take a nap before the car would stop... I really didn't like driivng either of the Caddy's thru the snow... plus the Olds was origanally "the winter car", lol.

Re: STS - RWD + Snow + Chicago (Snow Tires)

Hey Space, I live in the Northern Burbs off the lake. My 06 rides like a sled on the OEM. Spun out 3 times not going fast. Check out the thread about OEM tires and snow. lots of good info about tires. I called Tire Rack and chatted with the sales guy for a few minutes about some decent sonws. I have avoided the purchase since the winter has been mild, but will most definetely replace the OEM POS. So far I have been contacted 3 times from Caddy or GM poeple asking how I like the car. I complain about the OEM rubber each time. Maybe someone in the future will not suffer like we are.

Re: STS-RWD plus Snow plus Chicago...Snow Tires

I live in the Chicago area and while I love this car on drive pavement it absolutley SUCKS in the snow. I just came back from Holland, MI last week where they get a lot of lake effect snow and I thought I was going to have someone give me a push at a stop light! My next one must have all wheel drive as driving this one in the snow is terrible. I guess we have taken for granted front wheel drive cars ability to go nicely through snow as most of us having been driving them for so long. This has to be the worst attribute of this car. Thankfully it hasn't been a bad winter here.

Re: STS-RWD plus Snow plus Chicago...Snow Tires

I have purchased my 2005 STS 3weeks ago and it is a rear wheel drive and I have not owned a RWD in 12 years.

To those in Chicago or comparable climate, have you made the investment in Snow Tires or does the traction control help control the rear end?

Also-

Did you have the Snow Tire placed on your rims or did you purchase a different set?

I live in Mpls. I get the weather the day before you do!

Don't bother trying to go with the stock tires, unless you want to wind up in the ditch. I found there was just no control with them. I also find I can go better if I turn the Traction Control off if it gets slippery. It just pulses the brakes, doesn't do much to get you going, and will work against you on a hill. RWD does take a little to get used to again, but Stabilitrak should keep you out of most problems if you let it and don't step on it while it is trying to assist.

I went with 4 new snow tires on new rims. If you figure out the cost of mounting/dismounting, balancing, etc. after about 2X you have the cost of the new rims. Not to mention the possible leaks introduced by constantly handling the rims and tires.

Re: STS-RWD plus Snow plus Chicago...Snow Tires

my cleveland based sts is a snow nightmare....even with blizzaks. never again will i make this mistake....this is the second winter in my 05 and this car will be gone by next fall. any caddy other than a dts/deville is crazy in a snow area.

Re: STS-RWD plus Snow plus Chicago...Snow Tires

The V8 STS is probably one of the worst vehicles I have driven on the snow (thanks to Michelon). The Blizzaks make a big difference. Since my car is a lease, I mounted them on stock rims. Next STS will be awd